Missouri Paid Family Leave Laws - WorkforceHub
As of December 11, 2024, Missouri does not have its own Paid Family Leave laws and relies on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides eligible employees of covered employers unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical events such as childbirth, adoption, or caring for seriously ill family members, with eligibility requiring at least 12 months of employment, 1,250 hours worked, and employment at a location with 50 or more employees within 75 miles.
As of December 11, 2024, Missouri does not have a state-mandated Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. Employees in Missouri are primarily covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons.
What is Paid Family Leave?
Paid Family Leave (PFL) allows employees to take compensated time off from work to address significant family or medical needs, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. PFL aims to support employees in balancing work responsibilities with essential family obligations without financial hardship.
Does Missouri Have Paid Family Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Family Leave Laws?
No, Missouri does not have state-specific PFL laws. Employees rely on the federal FMLA, which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees of covered employers. The FMLA applies to public agencies and private employers with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius.
What Counts as a Qualifying Event for Paid Family Leave in Missouri?
Under the FMLA, qualifying events include:
- The birth and care of a newborn child.
- The placement of a child for adoption or foster care.
- Caring for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition.
- The employee’s own serious health condition that affects their ability to perform essential job functions.
- Certain exigencies arising from a family member’s active duty or call to active duty in the Armed Forces.
Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Family Leave in Missouri?
To be eligible under the FMLA, an employee must:
- Work for a covered employer.
- Have been employed by the employer for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutive).
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months preceding the leave.
- Work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles.
Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Family Leave Time Required in Missouri?
The FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for qualifying events. There is no state-mandated minimum for paid family leave in Missouri.
Is There a Minimum Amount of Maternity Leave Time Required in Missouri?
Under the FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth and care of a newborn child. Missouri does not have additional state requirements for maternity leave.
Is Paternity Leave Required by Law in Missouri?
The FMLA entitles eligible employees, regardless of gender, to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth and care of a newborn child. Missouri does not have specific state laws mandating paternity leave.
Who Pays for Paid Family Leave in Missouri?
Since Missouri does not have a state-mandated PFL program, there is no state-provided paid family leave. Under the FMLA, leave is unpaid. However, employees may choose, or employers may require, the use of accrued paid leave (such as vacation or sick leave) during FMLA leave.
Conclusion
In Missouri, employees are primarily protected by the federal FMLA, which offers unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. There is no state-mandated Paid Family Leave program. Employees should consult their employers’ policies regarding the use of accrued paid leave during FMLA leave and stay informed about any local ordinances or employer-provided benefits that may offer additional support.
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Virginia Paid Family Leave Laws - WorkforceHub
As of January 3, 2025, Virginia does not require private-sector employers to provide paid family leave beyond the federal unpaid FMLA protections, but offers eligible state employees up to eight weeks of paid parental leave to bond with a newborn or newly placed child under age 18, which must be used within six months of the event.
Montana Paid Family Leave Laws - WorkforceHub
As of December 11, 2024, Montana does not have its own Paid Family Leave laws and instead relies on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides eligible employees of covered employers unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical events such as childbirth, adoption, or caring for seriously ill family members, with eligibility requirements including at least 12 months of employment, 1,250 hours worked, and working for an employer with 50 or more employees within 75 miles.
Mississippi Paid Family Leave Laws - WorkforceHub
As of December 11, 2024, Mississippi does not have its own Paid Family Leave laws, so employees rely on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons—such as childbirth, adoption, or caring for a seriously ill family member—provided they meet eligibility criteria including working for a covered employer with at least 50 employees within 75 miles, having worked there for 12 months, and clocking at least 1,250 hours in the prior year.
New Jersey Paid Family Leave Laws - WorkforceHub
As of December 11, 2024, New Jersey's Paid Family Leave program provides eligible employees partial wage replacement for up to a specified duration to care for a new child or seriously ill family member, covering a broader range of relationships and differing in eligibility and benefits from the federal FMLA, with requirements including employment in New Jersey and contributions to the state's Family Leave Insurance program.
Florida Paid Family Leave Laws - WorkforceHub
Florida does not require paid family leave for private-sector employees beyond the federal FMLA's unpaid leave provisions, but as of September 2023, eligible state employees receive expanded paid leave benefits, including up to nine weeks for new mothers and two weeks for new fathers, covering events such as childbirth, adoption, and caring for seriously ill family members.
Louisiana Paid Family Leave Laws - WorkforceHub
Louisiana does not have a state-mandated Paid Family Leave program for private-sector employees but follows federal FMLA guidelines for unpaid leave, requires employers with 25+ employees to provide unpaid pregnancy disability leave, and starting January 1, 2024, offers up to six weeks of paid parental leave to classified state employees under State Civil Service Rule 11.36.